Uzbekistan
UZBEKISTAN
There is no place like home.
The history of culture and statehood, foreign economic and social ties of the territory is more than 2.5 millennia. Its freedom loving population fought for its independence against all foreign invaders. Situated on the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, the region played an important role in the dialogue of different civilizations. Its flourishing in the ancient times, then during the reign of the Samanids and Timurids is connected with the involvement of the region in the international economic interrelations. As far back as in the pre-Islamic period, Zoroastrism -- the world spread religious system was born on the territory of the present day Uzbekistan (in Khorezm) and became common property of all mankind. There formed the highest technological culture of those times: town-planning, irrigation systems, armory, silk-weaving, cultivation of grain, cotton, grapes and fruits. In those times local technologies and master-craftsmen (Ustos) were highly valued and appreciated. The synthetic character is rather typical for this particular civilization: combination of achievements gained by the Sogdians, peoples of Khorezm, Turks, India, China, Iran, Middle East and by Hellenism.
The religious extension of Islam to Maverannahr, accompanied by military invasions of the Arabs in the 7-8th centuries met with the resistance from the local religious tradition, embodied in the Zoroastrism of the Sogdians and Backtrians, Buddhism of the residents of Balkh and the Upper Amudarya, and the growing authority of the Christian communities. However later the population of the region was convinced in the great cultural and moral possibilities of Islam. The final victory of Islam in Turan may be related to the creation of politically and spiritually united state of the Samanid Turks in the 9th century with the center in the Zarafshan oasis (Samarkand and Bukhara). It was based on the rise of trade and development of the local artisans' production export. The new spiritual and economic situation in Central Asia determined a new technological progress. It seems to be appropriate to mark the production of the Samarkand paper (since the 8th century under the Chinese influence the people of Samarkand learned to manufacture paper from the rags), which supplanted papyrus and parchment in the Moslem countries at the end of the 10th century. The real flourishing of the genetic fund of the population was caused by the abundance of grain. Scientists al-Khorezmi, Beruni, Farabi, Abu Ali ibn Sino (Avicenna) brought fame to their Motherland all over the world. They were respected by Moslems, as well as Christians, Judaists and Buddhists. The Islamic spiritual and political Renaissance after the Mongols invasion was based not only on the strategic plans of nobility but first and foremost on the needs of the population majority to liberate Central Asian civilization from the brute power and animosity between the tribes. Feeling that necessity, Timur (1336-1405) united townsfolk, countryfolk and steppe communities of Maverannahr. Under the power of Timur military victories were consolidated by creating a complicated system of the administrative governing, and the common norms of law ("Code of Timur"). Considerable funds were given from the state treasury for the construction of grandiose public structures, gardens, roads and canals. The Timurids Renaissance in the 15th and the first half of the 16th century is based on the cultural-economic integration of the region. The area of its rich technological potential was extended up to the Mediterranean Sea and Northern India (culture of the Great Mogul Empire). Many scientific achievements of the Timurids epoch made a great impact on the European science (it is enough to mention the astronomical tables of Samarkand astronomers from Ulughbek's observatory). At the turn of the 15-16th centuries Vasco da Gama's ships blazed the Sea route from Europe to India and further on to China. The region lost its strategic economic importance on which it had rested for two millennia. The region happened to turn a political and economic periphery zone. The technological potential of Central Asia found itself locked from the outside world development for almost 3 centuries. Colonial annexation of Central Asia by the Tsarist Russia in 1860 bound Turkestan with Russia for 130 years. Foreign economic and international contacts of the region were monopolized first by St. Petersburg and then by the Soviet Moscow. Beginning with 1890's and up to 1917, Turkestan was a part of the Russian Empire, its governor-general's province, and its rule was the charge of war ministry, which also played the role of the ministry of colonies. After the collapse of Tsarism, Turkestan received the chance for its rebirth. Diplomatic missions of many countries including the USA mission were represented in Tashkent in 1918-1919. But in 1924 there was an artificial division of the single ethnic, cultural and economic space of the Turkestan land into the Soviet national republics. Millions of Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Kyrghyzes and Turkmen happened to be separated. Under the oppression of the totalitarian system the national liberation movement of native people was transferred into spiritual sphere. A dream of liberation, national state and unified Turkestan never died. On August 31, 1991, the Parliament adopted the Declaration of the State Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan. On December 29, 1991, this decision was supported by referendum. This was the beginning of the history of our country - the country open to the world community.
ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY
statehood (n) – status or condition of a state
tie (n) – polysemantic word:
1. smth. , as a cord or ribbon, used to tie things. (веревка)
2. beam or rod used to hold parts together and to receive tensile strength (брус)
3. bow, knot (бант, лента)
4. necktie (галстук)
5. bond of kinship, affection, common interests (узы)
6. equality of numbers, as of votes or points in the game (равное количество голосов или очков в игре)
7. one of the crossbeams to which the rails of a railroad are fastened (шпала)
flourish (v) – 1. to prosper or thrive (процветать)
2. to brandish (размахивать оружием)
armory (n) – 1. place for storing weapons (склад оружия, арсенал)
place for assembling soldiers for drilling (учебный манеж)
factory for making weapons (am) (оружейный завод)
Hellenism (n) – 1. Greek culture and ideals
2. admiration or imitation of the Greeks.
resistance (n) – act or capacity of resisting.
Syn.: opposition, withstanding, obstruction, counteraction, antagonism;
Ant.: collaboration, submission, obedience, surrender, contribution.
embody (v) – 1. to give bodily form to (олицетворять)
to express in definite form
to include in the united whole
Syn.: comprehend, include, comprise
supplant (v) – to displace or supersede; to take the place of.
Paper had supplanted papyrus and parchment.
parchment (n) – skin of a sheep or a goat prepared for writing
abundance (n) – plenty of smth.
Renaissance (n) – 1. a period of the great revival of classical learning and art in Europe from the 14th to the 16th centuries; 2. rebirth, renewal.
animosity (n) – hostility, enmity, hatred.
QUESTIONS
What is Zoroastrism?
Where was the religion of Zoroastrism born?
At what period the religion of Islam was spread on the territory of modern Uzbekistan?
Who was the leader of Arabian invasion ?
What do you know about the Samanids dynasty?
Who was Vasco da Gama?
What cultures influenced the formation of the Uzbek culture?
Divide Uzbek history into stages.
Who was Alexander the Great?
- Give definitions to the following words and make up sentences with them:
authority, Renaissance, artisan, to supplant, achievement, abundance, to flourish, to appreciate, armory.
- Insert the suitable word:
It was an official reception and men were obliged to wear … . The discovery of America was the … of Christopher Columbus. During the reign of the Timurids the architecture … .
… of local population was broken by foreign invaders. … between nomadic tribes caused a lot of troubles. There were kept fine specimen of weapons in the royal … .
TEXT B.
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One of the oldest cities of Uzbekistan and in the world is Samarkand, established during the middle of the first century BC under the name Marakanda and later known as Afrosiab. It was the capital of the powerful state Sogd, the center of Emir Timur's great empire. The numerous monuments of Samarkand and its suburbs impress tourist with their beauty and splendor. The refined architectural shapes, intricate ornamentation, mosaics, blue-tile domes and facades are interesting for all who visit these beautiful buildings. The majestic Registan square consists of three Madrassahs namely the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilla-Kari. Other places of interest are the Shahi-Zinda necropolis - the most remarkable monument in Samarkand and the Guri-Emir mausoleum - the grave of Timur, his sons and grandsons. The history of the city is connected with the names of outstanding writers, scientists and artists from the East. 
The settlement of Bukhara in Uzbekistan dates back to the 8th century when it was for 200 years the center of an expanding Islamic kingdom and prospered as a trade and intellectual center for Central Asia. During the Mongol invasion, It was destroyed by Genghis Khan in 1219. Subsequently it was ruled by a succession of regional powers, including descendants of Genghis Khan, Turks, and Uzbeks. One of Islam's most sacred cities, Bukhara contains many examples of fine Islamic architecture. These include the Kalyan minaret, 47 meters high. It was known as the "tower of death", because during the emir's time criminals were tied up in sacks and thrown from the top. Also, it was one of the few buildings to survive the rule of Genghis Khan, who was so impressed by it that the chose not to destroy it. The stunning Samanid emperors' mausoleum, one of the world's oldest monuments was found under meters of sand in the 1030's.
Khiva is known as a museum city under the open sky. It existed as a town for about 900 years, but developed into the settlement seen today only in the 19th century, when it was the last oasis on the northern Russian slave trade rout. Important spiritual and cultural values came form the large scientific centers of astronomy, mathematics, and medicine that existed in this area centuries ago. One can wander through the narrow streets of Khiva, peeking into the small courtyards through the wooden carved doors. The life inside the gardens assures the visitor that it is not just a museum, but also a living city. Historical monuments include Kunya Ark or "old citadel", the beautiful Kalta Minor minaret and the extraordinary Tash Khauli or "stone" palace, built in the 1830's by ruling khans.
Although Tashkent was probably first settled around the 1st century BC, written records date the city to its Arab occupation in the 8th century AD. The 13th-century defeat to Genghis Khan and his Mongolian forces threw Tashkent into an era of turmoil. The Mongols lost the city in the 14th century when the Timurids Empire seized control. The Timurids Empire ruled Tashkent until the late 15th century, when the Sheibanids swept through the region. Today, Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan.LEXICAL COMMENTS TO THE TEXT
relic (n) – 1. survival from the past, as a relic of the stone age (остаток);
2. anything held in religious reverence, as the remains of a martyr (мощи);
3. object cherished for its age or historical associations. (реликвия).
to be located (passive) – to be situated, to lie
commodity (n) – 1. article that can be bought or sold; 2. smth., which is useful
to be in demand – to be much sought after (пользоваться спросом). Chinese silk was always a commodity in great demand.
influential (adj) – having influence. Bill Clinton is one of the most influential politicians in the USA.
savage (adj) – ferocious; uncivilized, primitive; cruel, inhuman; fierce.
Syn.: barbarous, wild, fierce, enraged.
Ant.: gentle, civilized
conqueror (n) – завоеватель, покоритель
border (n) – boundary
mosque (n) – Muslim place of worship
madrassah (n) – Muslim religious institution for males
resurrect (v) – to raise from the dead; to bring back to notice (воскрешать)
ANCIENT ANATOLIA
Anatolia is the Asiatic portion of contemporary Turkey, extending from the Bosporus and Aegean coast eastward to the borders of the ex-Soviet Union, Iran, and Iraq. The Greeks and Romans called western Anatolia "Asia." Later the name "Asia Minor," or "Little Asia," was used to distinguish Anatolia from the land mass of the greater Asian continent.
Huns – one of warlike people of Asia who overran and devastated Europe in the 5th century.
descendant – потомок
ancestor – предок
crusade (n) – 1. any of several military expeditions by the Christian nations during the 11th – 13th centuries. (крестовый поход); 2. any vigorous action for the advancement or defense of some cause (поход для борьбы с к.-л.)
mausoleum (n) – grand and imposing tomb; syn.: necropolis-burial vault-crypt-sepulchre (усыпальница, склеп)
grave (n) – excavation for the reception of a dead body; place of burial (могила)
outstanding (adj) – prominent, eminent, remarkable, distinguished
EXERCISES
- Give synonyms to the following words and make sentences with them:
animosity, majestic, advantageous, grave, huge, mausoleum, to value, conquest, to appreciate, retain, holy.
- Insert the appropriate words:
... of architectural shapes makes the erection a unique monument of Central Asia.
Registan ... with 3 majestic buildings.
The numerous monuments of Samarkand ...tourists with their splendor.
Many skilled artists and artisans ... during Timur’s campaigns.
It was one of the structures that ... Mongol invasion.
While spreading Islam the Arabs met ... from local population.
Local craftsmen have learnt ... paper from rags.
- Translate into English:
Постоянная вражда между кочевыми племенами вызвала социальные перемены в стране. После арабского завоевания ислам вытеснил религию зороастризма. Великолепие и богатство исторических памятников Самарканда привлекает большое количество туристов. Китайский шелк всегда был товаром, который пользовался огромным спросом. Азиатские ученые и богословы оказали влияние на развитие восточной науки. Усыпальница Тимуридов была построена по приказу Тимура для его любимого внука Мухаммад Султана, который преждевременно скончался.
Во время правления династии Саманидов регион достиг высокого развития.
SAMARKAND
TEXT B. SAMARKAND
If it is said that a paradise is to be seen in this world, then the paradise of this world is Samarkand
Samarkand is one of the oldest and most important cities amongst the many in the historic region of Central Asia known as Transoxiana. Located in the Zerafshan River valley, the city enjoys the benefits of abundant natural resources and occupies as well a key place on the trade routes of Central Asia. The Zerafshan is fed by the snow melt from mountains to the south and east and flows into the Oxus (Amu Darya). To travel upstream just above the fertile valley floor, brings one to the historic city of Panjikent. Downstream is Bukhara. Those who ruled Samarkand developed a complex network of irrigation channels. As we know from the authors of historic accounts, its surroundings also provided pastureland, something that is evident even today if we look south from the highlands to the east of the city. The tenth-century Iranian author Istakhri, who travelled in Transoxiana, provides a vivid description of the natural riches of the region he calls "Samarkandian Sogd":
I know no place in it or in Samarkand itself where if one ascends some elevated ground one does not see greenery and a pleasant place, and nowhere near it are mountains lacking in trees or a dusty steppe....Samakandian Sogd...[extends] eight days travel through unbroken greenery and gardens....The greenery of the trees and sown land extends along both sides of the river [Sogd]...and beyond these fields is pasture for flocks. Every town and settlement has a fortress...It is the most fruitful of all the countries of Allah; in it are the best trees and fruits, in every home are gardens, cisterns and flowing water...
While settlement in the region goes well back into pre-historic times, by the seventh century before the Common Era (BCE or B.C.), the town seems to have housed a substantial center of craft production and already boasted an extensive irrigation system. It was one of the easternmost administrative centers for Achaemenid Persia and had a citadel and strong fortifications. Alexander the Great knew it as Maracanda; at the time when it submitted to him in 329 BCE, the city occupied some 13 sq. km. Damaged during a rebellion which Alexander had to suppress, the city revived; in the third and second centuries BCE, it contained some very impressive buildings. Alexander's conquests introduced into Central Asia Classical Greek culture; at least for a time the Greek models were followed closely by the local artisans. The Greek legacy lived on in the various "Graeco-Bactrian" kingdoms of the area and the Kushan Empire of the first centuries of the Common Era whose territories extended well down into what is today Pakistan and India. During the Kushan era the city declined though; it did not really revive until the fifth century CE.
The ethnically Iranian Sogdians who lived in Samarkand and its region played a key role in the commerce along the Silk Road even though they never established a single strong state and more often than not were subjects of powerful Inner Asian empires. As early as Han times, when the Chinese first recorded their impressions of Inner Asia, the Sogdians had a reputation as being talented merchants. Sogdian colonies were established in places such as Dunhuang, one of the important nodes in the trade route. Soghdian letters dating from 313-314 have been discovered there; they provide evidence about a network of Soghdian merchants in various places in China, whose commercial interests included precious metals, spices and cloth. The "home office" for one of the letter writers was Samarkand. Sogdian inscriptions on the rocks in the valleys of northern Pakistan testify to their activity on the routes south into India. Soghdian merchants also went west and seem to have been involved in the development of new routes for the Silk trade with Byzantium in the sixth century. We know that some of the exotic products popular later in Tang China were imported from Samarkand. The famous Buddhist pilgrim Xuanzang passed through the city in the early 630s and recorded about it the following:
The country of Sa-mo-kien is about 1600 or 1700 li [one li=430 m.] in circuit...The capital of the country is 20 li or so in circuit. It is completely enclosed by rugged land and very populous. The precious merchandise of many foreign countries is stored up here. The soil is rich and productive, and yields abundant harvests. The forest trees afford a thick vegetation, and flowers and fruits are plentiful. The Shen horses are bred here. The inhabitants are skilful in the arts and trades beyond those of other countries. The climate is agreeable and temperate. The people are brave and energetic...
The museum located today on the hill known as Afrasiab, the site of the ancient city, contains numerous examples of pottery from the period of the city's history prior to the Muslim conquest. When the Arabs invaded Central Asia in the early eighth century, the last of the Sogdian rulers of the many small states in the Zerafshan Valley fled upriver from Panjikent. Amid the ostensibly stark ruins of Panjikent are houses whose walls were decorated with murals portraying a religious ceremonies, scenes from the famous Persian epics and much more evidence of the cosmopolitan cultural connections of the last Sogdian state. The last refuge of the Sogdians was a fortress upstream at Mt. Mug, where archaeologists have unearthed a treasure prove of Sogdian documents attesting to the sophistication of their administration and legal system.
COMMENTS AND NOTES
gem (n) – cut and polished precious stone; jewel; any valuable or beautiful object.
manuscript (n) – 1. the first copy of a book or piece of writing , written by hand or typed before being printed (рукопись) : I read his novel in manuscript. 2. a handwritten book, from the time before printing was invented : medieval manuscript.
majestic (adj) – having or showing majesty
turquoise (n) – a precious greenish-blue mineral (бирюза)
turquoise (adj) – of the colour of turquoise. Samarkand is the city of turquoise domes.
vivid (adj) – 1. bright and strong; produciing a sharp sensation on the eye: a vivid flash of lighting- яркая вспышка молнии;
2. that produces sharp clear pictures in the mind: a vivid desccription- точный, явный.
pilgrim (n) – a person who travels esp. a long way to a holy place as an act of religious love and respect.
pilgrimage (n) – a journey made by pilgrim: Aziz is planning to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. Many music-lovers make pilgrimages to Mozart’s birthplace.
Sphinx (n) – an ancient Egyptian image of lion, lying down, with a human head.
* UN – United Nations Organization (Организация Объединенных Наций)
* UNESCO – United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization.
* WTO – World Trade Organization (Всемирная Торговая Организация)
TASKS
- Read the texts and translate them.
- Study the vocabulary notes.
- Make up sentences with the following words:
gem, treasure, ancient, vivid description, jade, turquoise, medieval, majestic, skillful hands, pilgrims, holy place, artisan, manuscript.
- Answer the questions:
- What are the most ancient cities of the world?
- Do you know any facts about Rome and Babylon?
- How old is Samarkand?
- What beautiful epithets Samarkand is given?
- Why Samarkand is called the city of legends? Do you know any?
- Who was Alexander the Great?
- What was his role in shaping Uzbek history?
- When the Achaemenid dynasty captured Samarkand?
- At what period local population of modern Uzbekistan began to profess Islam?
- What are the ancient names of Samarkand?
- Translate into English:
Самарканд расположен на пересечении торговых маршрутов Великого Шелкового Пути.
Самарканд является ровесником таких великих городов как Фибы, Вавилон, Ереван, Рим.
История этого величественного памятника архитектуры очень трагична.
Музей Афросиаб является одним из ценнейших археологических находок мира.
Во времена Тимура самаркандская архитектура достигла пика своего развития.
Великолепные шедевры архитектуры Самарканда являются достоянием всего человечества, поэтому ЮНЕСКО уделяет особое внимание их сохранению.
Площадь Регистан, ежегодно привлекающая тысячи туристов, является сердцем нашего города.
6. Put the verbs in brackets into correct form:
- Many architectural monuments of Uzbekistan (to restore) now.
- Many skillful artisans and artists from all over the world (to bring) to the capital by Amir Timur after they (to capture) by his formidable army.
- Every year the beauty and splendor of Oriental architecture (to attract) hundreds of tourists here.
- Look! The guide (to approach) toward us, let’s ask him about this object.
- When I entered the majestic ruins of a sacred place a big crowd of worshippers (to pray) there.
- When in 1405 great Tamerlane (to die) his descendants (start) the long struggle for his throne and power.
- While that Spanish couple (to watch) this monument with admiration, the rest of the group (to bathe) in the holy spring (источник, родник).
REGISTAN SQUARE
During centuries Registan Square was the center of Samarkand. The word Registan means “sand place”. There was a river running there many ages ago, before building the first Madrassah on the square. Years passed, the river dried out and left lots of sank there, that was the first place where the first Madrassah was built in the beginning of the 15th century and named Registan square. As the Madrassah was first built, all the holidays, parades, festivals and Sunday bazaars took place. The ensemble consists of three Madrassah: Ulugbek Madrassah (15th century), Sher – Dor Madrassah (17th century) and Tilla-Kari Madrassah (gold covered) (17th century). Madrassah – is the Muslim high educational institution. Only boys from reach families studied there. The training lasted for 10, 12, 20 years. It was up to the discipline the student selected. The main discipline for all of them was theology and learning Koran. The rest of the subjects were not obligatory and could be selected by students. The Ulugbek Madrassah was built by the Ulugbek’s order and guidance. Its construction had lasted only for three years from 1417 to 1420. When the madrassah was constructed, Ulugbek himself and his colleagues gave lectures on mathematics, astronomy and other secular disciplines.
Two centuries later, the ruler of Samarkand Yalangtush Bahadur ordered to build the copy of the Madrassah, and the second Sher-Dor Madrassah was built opposite it. The only difference was that it had two more winter teaching halls, but the main structure was the same as in Ulugbek Madrassah. Several years later, the same ruler of Samarkand ordered to complete the ensemble with the third Tilla-Kari Madrassah. Its outward is the same as those two other madrassahs, but coming in you’ll see a one story building. Madrassah was always built by one project – four-cornered yard with four terraces and cells along the whole perimeter. The main entrance was always locked with lattice and two other entrances were used by purpose. The doors in cell were always low because “Islam” means “obedience”, that is why everyone who entered or went out of cell always had to bow, it was like greeting and wishing health to everyone. Only Tilla-Kari Madrassah was built to serve as madrassah, but was used mostly as a mosque; Tilla-Kari has low minarets to call people to pray. In the 17th century Till-Kari mosque and Madrassah was the biggest mosque in Samarkand. “Eden of Ancient East”, “Precious Pearl of Islam World”, “ Rome of East”, “Rui Zamin”(face of Earth) – with such magnificent names poets, historians, medieval geographers of Iran, India, China, Byzantium, Egypt called Samarkand. In spite of such magnificent description Samarkand experienced periods of fire and destructions, which left their sign in history. During centuries Samarkand was gained by different nomadic and half nomadic generations, which always were destroying, sacking, and leaving ruins after them. Samarkand saw three largest tragedies. The first one is related to the time of Alexander Macedonian’s gains in 329 year BC; the city was fully destroyed, citizens were exterminated. After reconstruction of the city there was a development of different crafts, the eastern and Greek cultures mixed together, and this left its sign in the history of Samarkand. The second tragedy is related to the 8th century, when Arabs conquered the Central Asia. Starting from the 8th century Islam became main religion in Central Asia. Before that time there were different religions in Central Asia but the main was zoroastrism. Now it is the main religion of our country. Third tragedy is related to the 13th century, when Genghiz-khan occupied the Central Asia. The city was destroyed, Samarkand fell into decline. Only in the 14th century when Timur came to power Samarkand was reconstructed. 14-15th centuries are called the Renaissance because Timur brought scientists from each crusade. He assisted in development of different sciences in Central Asia. Samarkand reached the highest level of development only during Timur’s government. All this happened because during 35 year he brought with him mathematicians, astronomers, architectures, and musicians from his campaigns to his country. Architects from different countries participated in the construction of numerous monuments. Various decor, and picture of rising sun with lions chasing after deers is the illustration of it. It is not allowed illustrating animals and people in Islam. But Sher-Dor madrassah is decorated with pictures of animals.
TASKS
- Read and translate the text.
- Choose 10 new words and make their lexical analysis.
- Choose one of the poetic legends about Samarkand and present it to the class.
- Retell one of the texts about Samarkand.
- Fill in the blanks with ought to, have to, be to, need or must followed by the appropriate form of the infinitive:
- Mother always tell me that I… (to be) careful.
- Such things… not (to be allowed).
- It was late and they… (to light) a fire to cook their supper.
- Make up sentences using might, may, can, will, would, need.
- Analyze the sentence:
- Fill in the blanks with appropriate modal verbs. What do they express?
- I think you… see a doctor.
- You… come at 6 sharp. We are going to have a meeting.
- You…not (to learn) the poem. You… only (to read) it.
- Is it necessary, do you think, that the police… know about it?
- Translate into English:
- Им следовало бы удержать его от такого неразумного шага. Они ещё пожалеют об этом.
- Вечер, вероятно, будет интересным.
- Мне бы хотелось, чтобы ты с отцом не спорила.
- С какой стати я стану помогать ему? Он просто ленится, он всё может сделать сам.
- Fill in the blanks with the correct modal verbs followed by the appropriate forms of the infinitive:
- Their house… (to bring down). They… (to move) to a new residential area.
- You… (to wear) green. It goes with your eyes.
- Roger… (to forget) about his promise. He did it again.
- He… better not let me (to catch) sight of him.
- you are a foreigner; you came to Samarkand and want to go sightseeing
- you are incompetent guide and your tourists are indignant with your ignorance
- you are a loving couple from the USA. You came to Uzbekistan to see all its beauty and also to be alone; but local people do not give you a single chance to stay alone
- you are a rich man from the UK; you fell in love with the pretty Samarkand guide
GRAMMAR REVIEW - Все были дома.
- Было построено много домов. Количество читаемых вами книг не достаточно
- Это они опoздали.
- Нашим единственным проводником были звезды. Звезды были нашим единственным проводником.
- Где деньги?
- На собрании присутствовал двадцать один студент.
SHAKHI-ZINDA
On south-east slope of Afrosiab there is situated one of the notable architectural ensembles of Samarkand –Shakhi-Zinda necropolis. It consists of 11 mausoleums, built during the 14-15th centuries in series. Entrance portal of Shakhi-Zinda is the latest construction. Inscription under entrance runs: “ This magnificent building established by Abdulazizhan, Ulugbek-Gurgan’s son, Shahruh’s son, Amir Timur-Guragan’s son, in 883.” (1434 AC). Necropolis is divided into three parts: entrance chartak, middle chartak (consisting of: mausoleums Emir-Zade, Emir-Husein, Shadi-Mulk, Shirin-Bibi-aka, Octahedron, Usto Ali, Nameless, Burunduk, Hudjra, Kusama ibn-Abbasa mosque, Ziarathani and Kusam ibn-Abbas mausoleum), upper chartak (consists of : Tuman-aka mosque, Tuman-aka mausoleum, nameless mausoleum 1360-1361, Hodja Ahmad mausoleum.) Climbing upstairs of Shakhi-Zinda and entering the cool narrow corridor, visitor will make kind of journey into the heart of time. The first mausoleum from the left was thought as mausoleum of Timur’s friend and teacher astronomer Kazi-Zade Rumi.
But in 60-70-es of the 20th century after opening graves scientits found out that two women were buried here. It is assumed that this was Timur’s nurse and her daughter. Going up by 36 footsteps of old stairs you find yourself in the open gallery. Here from the left and right are burial vaults of closest relatives of Timur and confidant of court. First mausoleums from the left and right Emir-Zade mausoleum and Emit-Husin mausoleum belong to confidant people of his court.
Next mausoleum from the left belongs to Timur’s niece Shadi-Mulk aka. She died when she was very young, that is why Timur ordered to build mausoleum of the most elegant form, to show beauty and youth of his niece. Timur’s sister Shirin-Bibi aka was supervising the construction of this mausoleum. After finishing this construction, she ordered to build mausoleum for herself next to her niece’s mausoleum. Both these mausoleums were built in 1371-1373. Going a little bit farther we see mausoleum of original form. This nameless mausoleum was built by architects from Azerbaijan. One detail that differentiates this mausoleum from others is that entrance to crypt where graves are situated goes to central side street, and all other mausoleums have entrance behind the mausoleum. Next row of mausoleums is called nameless because all these mausoleums were built in the 11th century and during Genghiz – khan’s invasion almost all of them were destroyed. Now you can see onle small saved remains from mausoleums of the 11th century. One of the nameless mausoleums is sometimes called Usto Ali Nesefi. Next mausoleum has name of commander-in-chief of Timur’s army-Emir Burunduk. Now we reach the most ancient mausoleum–ensemble of Kusam ibn-Abbas. This is the oldest building of the 11th century. The name of entire necropolis is related to the name of Kusam ibn-Abbas. Shakhi-Zinda means “alive king”. In the 8th century during one of the sermons Kusam ibn-Abbas was beheaded, but since he was holy man, he said that a man serving to God couldn’t be killed. He took his head, put it underarm, and descended to shaft, where he lives till now. The mausoleum was built in the 11th century, and dome was rebuilt in the 14th century by the order of Amir Temur. The following mausoleums are: unknown mausoleum (from the right), Tuman-aka mosque (from the left), Hodja Ahmad mausoleum. All these mausoleums were built in the 14th century. By looking at decoration of two mausoleums: nameless and Hodja Ahmad, it is possible to say that they were built by architects from Samarkand, main colors used by them -white, blue, and dark blue- reside to architectural school of Samarkand, while in Tuman-aka mausoleum green, yellow, black, and red colors were used. To the left of mausoleums is situated the entrance to the biggest Muslim cemetery built in the 9th century and used till present time.
BIBI HANIM
Its construction started in 1399, after successful campaign of Timur to India. Mosque was under construction during 5 years. Its structure was finished in 1404. By Timur’s idea Bibi Hanim mosque had to eclipse all that he had seen before in other countries. Architects, artists, masters and craftsmen from many East countries were involved in construction. Two hundred stonemasons from Azerbaijan, Fars, Hindustan and other countries were working inside the mosque, and five hundred workers in mountains near Pendjikent were working under production and trimming of stones and sending it to Samarkand. Masters and craftsmen gathered and driven together from all parts of the world put into construction their traditions and experience. Building was not finished when Timur went to one of his new campaigns. After he came back he went to see new mosque.
Grandiose buildings occupied rectangular yard with size 130*102 meters. Spacious inside yard was covered by marble flagstones and enclosed with sheltered gallery for pilgrims. The entrance to the court was decorated as high portal with two round minarets that were 50 meters in height. Front of mosque was also designed with grandiose portal with two minarets. The walls of all buildings outside were decorated with multi-colored glaze bricks, which made intricate geometric ornamental design and religious aphorisms. Magnificent and rich decoration of inside buildings consisted of majolica mosaic, carved marble, stamping on papier-mache, gilded design. However Timur was not satisfied with building and in a fit of anger ordered to seize magnates Hodja Mahmud David and Muhammed Djelda who managed the construction. They were sentenced to death and hanged behind Siab channel, at the foot of Chupanat. There is a legend about construction of Bibi-Hanim mosque that is still known in our days. Beautiful woman Bibi-Hanim, Timur’s wife, decided to surprise and make her husband glad. When he was absent being in one of his campaigns she called to the palace the best constructors and masters of Samarkand and ordered to construct the building of unbelievable splendor. The work started immediately. The walls were growing very fast. More often Bibi-Hanim visited the building site. She hurried the main architect to finish the work. But charmed with queen’s beauty architect did not to hurry constructors. Meanwhile the message came to Samarkand about Timur’s coming soon. Bibi-Hanim was ranting and raving. Then architect made term: “The mosque will be constructed in time, but … you, my queen, will give me a kiss”. Tsarina was indignant: “ I will give any of my bondwomen by your choice. Why are you looking only at me? Look at these colored eggs, that have different colors and do not look like each other, but if you will break them, will they really differ? 
So are we, women”.
But architect insisted: “ I will answer you. Here are two same glasses. One of then I will fill with crystal water, the other with white wine. They are the same, but if I will touch them with my lips then one of them will burn me with molten fire, and I won’t feel the other one. That is love.” Timur was already close to Samarkand. Vexation of Bibi-Hanim did not know limits. So long cherished surprise for master was under the threat. Besides, as legend says, architect was handsome and young. And she agreed. Architect blended to beautiful Bibi-Hanim. At the last moment she tried to protect herself with palm. But the kiss was so passionate, that ardor got through arm of beautiful queen and left crimson spot on her cheek. In a few days Timur returned to city. In front of his look raised cupolas and minarets. Ruler was amazed by their magnificence. But his gladness was darkened. He became furious when he saw sign from the kiss. Bibi-Hanim told him the truth. By order of Timur warders started thr search of impudent architect. Escaping from pursuit he with his apprentice climbed up the minaret of mosque. When warders run up by numerous steps, they found only one apprentice. “ Where is architect?”-They asked. “Teacher made for him wings and he flew away to Meshhed”-he answered. That is the legend. History does not know the name Bibi-Hanim. It is only known that elder wife of Timur was called Saray-Mulk-Hanum.
GUR - EMIR
Gur-Emir means “grave of Emir”. Gur-Emir Mausoleum was built in 1404 for Timur’s grandson Muhhamed 
Sultan. He had to become heir apparent of throne after Timur, but in 1404 he died and Timur ordered to build big mausoleum for his loved grandson. In 1405 Timur died in Otrar city and his sons decided to move his body and bury him near his favorite grandson. From that time this mausoleum was called “burial vault of Timurids”. Timur’s sons Shahruh and Miranshah and grandsons, his spiritual advisor sheikh from Medin-Mir Seid Bereke were buried here. In 1996 it was big reconstruction here when Samarkand celebrated 660 anniversary of Amir Temur’s birthday. Original design is saved inside. Decorators only drew on original thin layer of paint. Every headstone is made from marble, only Timur’s headstone is from nephritis, it was brought by order of Ulugbek and put on grave of Timur. All headstones in upper mausoleum are saved very well, but in lower because of floods almost all of them were destroyed. Lattice that set off all headstones was made in the 15th century from marble by Ulugbek order. All headstones were opened in June 1941. There is a legend related to this event. Three old men told scientists not to disturb ashes of dead, especially Timur’s ashes, because by opening his grave they could restore the spirit of war. But scientists were intended to find out if this mausoleum belonged to the Timurids. After opening sarcophagus scientists saw grave where skeleton of Timur was. By analysis of skull bone anthropologist Gerasimov made first portrait of Timur and his entire dynasty. Scientists concluded that he was really lame because one of his legs was shorter than another. They also established that Ulugbek was beheaded. His skull was near skeleton. Timur’s skeleton was examined in Leningrad, and then all remains were returned back to the grave. Two days later World War Two began and many citizens were saying that it started because of opening Timur’s grave.
ULUGBEK’S OBSERVATORY
Among historical monuments of Samarkand observatory takes particular place. It was constructed by Ulugbek in 1428-1429 on one of the hills on height, at the bottom of Chupanat altitude. By Babur’s words, who saw the observatory, it was three-storied covered with beautiful glazed titles building of round form 46 meters in diameter, 30 meters in height. In the main hall huge instrument was placed for observations of Moon, Sun, and other stars of the vault of heaven. Observatory was unique construction for its time. The basis of observatory was giant goniometer (vertical circle), radius of circle was equal 40,212 meters, and the length of arc was 63 meters. The main instrument-sextant-was oriented with amazing exactness by line of meridian from south to north. Test establishments of modern astronomers Kastalsk and Sheglov are the evidence to it. Sizes of the main instrument, lucky construction, scientific knowledge of Ulugbek and his companion-in-arms provided amazing exactness of astronomic observations. Contribution of creation astronomic catalog-“Zidji-Gurgani”, known as “Star tables of Ulugbek” belongs to Ulugbek. Whole galaxy of great scientists was working on them for a long period and finished them in 1437. “Everything that observation and experience had known about planets movement, is delivered for keeping to this book”-Ulugbek had written. In this work basics of astronomic observations made by eastern scientists are summarized. Exactness of observations of Samarkand astronomers is amazing because they were made without help of optical instruments, with unaided eye. Astronomic tables contents coordinates of 1018 stars. His catalogue did not lose its value nowadays. With amazing exactness the calculations of the length of star year are made, which according to Ulugbek is equal to 365 days 6 hours 10 minutes 8 seconds. Actual length of star year by modern data is 365 days 6 hours 9 minutes 9,6 seconds. Thus the mistake is only less that one minute. After Ulugbek’s death observatory was destroyed and robbed by religious fans. Only in 1908 archaeologist Vyatkin found first document where location of observatory was mentioned. Unfortunately only underground part of sextant and basis of the building were saved. By found documents scientists made the model of the observatory. Remarkable scientific center was destroyed, valuable library was plundered, and scientists were chased away. Sheikhs announced the hill as the place of grave “Forty virgins” and built here mausoleum, place of pilgrimage, bringing big profits to hypocrites. Like this Samarkand priesthood was trying to suppress in people member of torch of science-Ulugbek and his observatory.
AFRASIAB MUSEUM
Afrasiab-is the name of mythical king Turan and one of the legend heroes of poem of great tadjic poet Firdousi “Shahname”. Under this name the place where ancient Samarkand was situated is known. Now Afrasiab is a huge gathering of lifeless hills sided with modern city from north side. But distant past life was turbulent here. Archaeological findings of Afrosiab were started at the end of last century, after joining Central Asia to Russia, with excavations made by mayor Borzenkov in 1874 and lieutenant colonel Krestovskiy in 1833. On the site of ancient settlement there were found wonderful example of poured and not poured earthenware ornamental crockery, many terracotta statuettes, fragments of ossuaries, things from glass, different work tools, women jewellery, coins, etc. Archaeological findings give clear image about way of life of ancient Samarkand during many centuries of its existence. It is proved that settlement of city type on Afrosiab existed more than two thousand and half years ago. The city was enclosed with strong defensive walls inside of which there where citadel-shahristan, cathedral mosque, dwelling houses and craft workshops. The territory of city was crossed by straight paved streets and divided into blocks-guzars. The museum where archaelogical findings of ancient times are gathered is built on the territory of Afrosiab.
VOCABULARY NOTES
heir (n) – one who inherits or is entitled to inherit the property or title; anyone who receives a property of a deceased person.
nephritis / jade (n) – hard stone, usually green, used for gems or ornaments.
lattice (n) – open-work made by crossed or interlaced strips of metal or wood; door, window or gate made as lattice. (решетка)
ashes (pl) – 1. a waste from burned substances (пепел); 2. remains of a dead human body when burned or reduced to dust by natural decay (прах)
disturb (v) – to break up the peace of; to annoy, hamper;
synonyms: rouse, annoy, bother, worry, trouble, interrupt
antonyms: pacify, soothe (успокаивать)
lame (adj) – crippled in a leg or foot, so that movement is difficult
skull (n) – skeleton or bony framework of the head
plunder (v) – to take by force; to despoil, rob; pillage (грабить)
summarize (v) – to make a summary of (суммировать, подводить итоги)
Grammar Exercises
Can you show me an English woman who speaks English as it should be spoken.
SAMARKAND THE MAGNIFICENT.
“The entire inhabited area of the world does not worth to have two kings”- this phrase is attributed to Timur, the founder of the mighty feudal empire created in the Central Asia at the end of the XIV century.
Its creation, growth of military and economy power created the conditions for the intensive construction mainly in the metropolitan Samarkand and Shakhrisabz, the native town of Timur and his second residence. These cities were surrounded by the walls with towers. The structures were built as monuments glorifying the state and its ruler. Hence the large scale, richness, decoration, colors and gold used in these buildings.
That is exactly what a traveler might see in the in architectural ensemble of three madrassahs in the Registan square, unique mausoleums of Shakhi-Zinda, majestic Gur-Emir mausoleum and colossal complex of Bibi-Khanim mosque.
Aside from these structures there is an observatory of Ulugbek, the enlightened grandson of Timur. The observatory was erected in some kilometers from the city in the middle of the XV century. By his works in astronomy Ulugbek glorified not only himself but opened the great achievements of the oriental science to European countries.
But there were other pages in the history of Samarkand when this great city was conquered by Alexander the Great, Arab Caliphate and Genghis-Khan. Almost all ruling dynasties of Central Asia, the representatives of different peoples, traditions and cultures, ruled at some time here.
For centuries the numerous caravans were bringing to Samarkand the goods from all over the world and new ideas in art, skills and construction. Hence we have the unique combination of styles and art schools of East and West, a combination that gave birth to distinctive look of this ancient city described by historians, diplomats and poets of the past.
Samarkand today is the second after Tashkent city in the Republic of Uzbekistan, a city of science, industry, center of culture and arts.
Numerous guests from different countries of the world as centuries ago admire the masterpieces of Samarkand, discover for themselves exotic sounds colors of oriental markets and bring back home only the original souvenirs but the unforgettable memories of this unique city in the land of Uzbekistan.
THE BLESSED BUKHARA
Bukhara is the peculiar city that existed from its foundation in the V century B.C. until 1920 within the original territory surrounded by the city walls in XVI century. For many times during its existence the city was destroyed and set on fire but each time life revived on ruins. So walking round Bukhara today one does it on top of deep cultural layer. Many structures like the Samanids mausoleum, the portal of Magoki-Attari mosque, etc. look buried into this layer.
The layout of the city preserved from the ancient period. The highest point of the city was occupied by the citadel with ruler’s palace and mosque – the Ark fortress, residence place for many ruling dynasties in the past, and nowadays a big museum complex with very interesting exposition of artifacts telling about different pages of Bukhara history.
A big Registan square in front of fortress was a place for military parades, festivals and public executions. The architectural outlook of nowadays Bukhara was obtained in the XVI-XVII centuries when it was a residence of two ruling dynasties- the Sheybanids and Ashtarkhanids.
From the X century Bukhara was known as city of skills and trade,and from the XVI century it was well known in Russia and Western Europe thanks to intensive trade links and official diplomatic missions. Noisy and crowded Bukhara markets became a visit card of the city.
Not much changed at Bukhara markets since those days. Crowds of people fill the rows for fruits and spices, goldsmiths and blacksmiths, silk fabrics and carpets. Three out of once existing in Bukhara special trading domes still offer the guests of the city the most various goods which are the pride of Bukhara land.
Speaking of Bukhara past it is necessary to mention a very high level of arts and culture. A lot of magnificent sets of miniatures and illustrations to handwritten books on poetry were created here.
Architectural heritage of Bukhara is really very rich - caravan-sarais and domes, public baths and big pools, defensive walls and city gates, khanakas and mausoleums, mosques and madrassahs, individual structures and big complexes. Decorative methods, splendor designs and original ideas of architects strike the imagination of anyone.
Narrow streets in ancient part of city bring you to the main architectural ensemble of Bukhara – Lyabi-Khauz. It is so nice to sit in the shade of huge mulberry trees on sunny summer day, to taste Uzbek national dishes, to watch a lazy rhythm of life, and to remember it for many and many years.
THE CHERISHED KHIVA
It is almost impossible to find another place on huge plains of Central Asia where for centuries a man and nature are in state of constant fight, as here. Mighty Amudarya river often changing its bed and destroying shores with villages, endless desert with burning sun in summer and killing frosts in winter on one side, and a man persistently clutching at every fertile piece of oasis on another side keep on fighting on the land of ancient Khorezm for centuries. And there is no winner in this fight. But there are impressive ruins of ancient fortresses and irrigation systems, small and big towns, green orchards and fields. And there is cherished Khiva.
Art construction traditions of Central Asia manifested itself and preserved up to nowadays in Khiva in the most vivid way. The former capital of khanate with very strong military and economy status, especially by the end of XIX century, allowed Khiva to conduct aggressive wars as well as extensive regional and foreign trade.
As determined by the archeologists Khiva was founded in the X century, at the peak of Khorezm heyday, on caravan road on the desert sands. In XIV-XVII centuries Khiva was notoriously known as the main slave market flourishing till the beginning of the XX century.
Constructions art of Khiva absorbed not only the common norms but also local methods and traditions created by specific historical and climate conditions. Close neighborhood with warlike nomadic structures which look more like fortresses. Khiva in general was built as a fortress and always remained it.
Thick and high walls of Kunya-Ark, an ancient citadel of local rulers, blank walls of palaces and harems, narrow streets clutched between facades, massive doors and gates, enclosed courtyards – everything breathes of alert and severity.
But how marvelous are these structures inside, so peaceful and quiet under the precious shade of centuries old trees! Unique Khiva woodcarving, tiles shining under the sun, slender minarets, turquoise domes and soft pink light of sunset on walls – cannot be conveyed even by the most superb film or tape. One has to see it with one’s own eyes.
shore – берег nomadic - кочевой
frost - мороз nomadic tribes – кочевые племена
nomad - кочевник
SHAKHRISABZ
Provincial Shakhrisabz, a small and cozy town laying in the greenery of orchards and vineyards against the snowy mountains looks as peaceful landscape of countryside life. Only the majestic ruins of Ak-Saray palace and Doruss-Siadat complex remind of glorious past of the city. The past of this ancient city deserves respect and admiration. Ancient Nautaca, it was the name of the city at the time of Alexander the Great military campaigns to Central Asia, was among the places that registered the great conqueror fiercely and was punished by total destruction for that. Under the Arabs the city had another name – Dilkesh, that means, “joy to a heart”. And later it became the center of Kesh province.
Not by chance the years of Shakhrisabz flourishing was under Timur, this was his birthplace. At that time grandiose mausoleums and mosques, beautiful palaces with parks appeared here. It was the first place where Timur met the Spanish ambassador Rui Gonzales de Claviho at the end of the XIV century.
The diary of ambassador with detailed description of traditions and customs at Timur’s court, splendid festivals and hunting, audience of ambassadors from different countries, state system of the empire, admire common readers as well as historians, scientists and art experts even today. And unintentionally an idea comes into mind: why not to become an imaginary eyewitness of these events? To walk by the streets of this city, to admire mosaic tiles on palace walls, to look into the same sky and the same mountains on the horizon.
Ex.1. Translate into English:
ВЕЛИКИЙ ШЁЛКОВЫЙ ПУТЬ
Великий Шёлковый Путь – удивительное творение человечества, трансконтинентальная магистраль, соединившая древние цивилизации Запада и Востока, служившая не только взаимовыгодным торговым связям народов, но и взаимопроникновению религий, культур, научных и технических достижений. Первый путь торговли шёлком был проложен в 11 веке до н. э. и просуществовал до 16 века.
«Великий Шёлковый Путь огромен, на котором есть много чудес, но самое большое чудо – это Путь» - сказал восточный поэт. Великий Шёлковый Путь соединял караванную систему Китая со Средиземным морем и Чёрным морем через Среднюю Азию. Вдоль этих дорог происходил обмен шёлковыми тканями, фарфором, пряностями, янтарем, обмен знаниями, а также и обмен рабами… Сотни лет, шёлк был одним из важных товаров, почему и стал вскоре называться « Шёлковым Путём». Великий Шёлковый Путь стал рождением международной торговли, осью обмена, где соединялись культуры, где вёлся обмен технологиями, где смешались религии. Таким путём буддизм проник из Индии на Ближний Восток, а затем в Европу. Из Китая везли шёлк и металлические изделия в обмен на лошадей, нефрит и другие товары из Средней Азии.
Веками шумели разноязычные восточные базары, сотни лет по пыльным караванным дорогам везли для продажи европейцам драгоценные шелка и каменья, пряности и красители, золото и серебро, экзотических южных птиц и зверей. Города, по которым шли караваны, приводили к власти и богатству. Важные пункты пересечения многочисленных караванов стали впоследствии красивейшими городами Узбекистана: Самарканд, Бухара, Хива…
Итак, перед Вами открывается возможность восхититься всеми достопримечательностями этих городов, а также раскрыть следы Великого Шёлкового Пути.
ACTIVITY WORK
Choose the partner and play out the following situations:
MIND THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
Где часы?
|
SUBJECT AND PREDICATE
Everybody was at home. The stars were our only guide. Where is the money? The wages were raised. Twenty one students were present at the meeting. |
DO NOT MISUSE VERBS AND VERBALS. MIND THE FORM OF THE VERBS AND VERB-STRUCTURES
Он смутился. Он удивился. Он женился. Он испугался. Он разочаровался. Брюки смялись. Он убедился в том что...
Он остался один.
Сколько времени осталось? Он спасся.
Защищайтесь! Повторите. Скажите еще раз. История повторяется Он отомстил всем. |
He got embarrassed. He got surprised. He got married. He got frightened. He got disappointed. The trousers got creased. He got convinced that… ( W r o n g: He embarrassed, surprised, married, etc.) How much time is left? Defend yourself!
Don’t repeat yourself. History repeats itself. He revenged himself upon everybody. Wrong: He revenged upon everybody.) |